WIREDGOV

LBRO shows business benefits in first ‘official’ annual report 2008 - 2009

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 28 July 2009

A number of key initiatives designed to make life better for businesses have marked the first full year in operation of the public body for better local regulation, LBRO.

LBRO has published its 2008/09 annual report this month, demonstrating how local regulatory services delivered by councils across the UK are playing an increasingly vital role in supporting economic prosperity and protecting the public.

During this year there have been many milestones for LBRO, most significantly the development of Primary Authority, prior to its introduction on 6 April 2009. This pioneering scheme for better local regulation creates an innovative partnership between a business and a single local authority when dealing with regulatory issues across more than one council boundary. It could save UK business an estimated £48 million a year.

Other achievements for LBRO during the year include:

-The launch of Trading Places, where local authority regulatory staff spend time in the commercial world to find out first-hand how local businesses run their operations and the challenges they can face when dealing with regulation.
-The formation of the world-class coalition of professional and representative bodies, including national regulators, to improve the regulatory system and reduce burdens on local authorities.
-The issue of draft advice and guidance which sets out the key role regulatory services play in local authorities, supporting business communities in the recession and beyond.

LBRO Chair Clive Grace said:

“This has been a significant year both for the development of LBRO and the challenging times we live in. LBRO drives the regulatory reform agenda at a local level, supporting effective performance in environmental health, trading standards, fire safety and licensing standards. Although 2008 – 09 was our first year of operation, some of our major initiatives are already beginning to bear fruit.”

Simon Topman, Chair of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce said: “In these challenging times, LBRO has a central role to play to ensure that local authority regulatory services support businesses and encourage thriving high streets.

“Regulation is here to stay and initiatives such as Primary Authority, which cut through bureaucracy saving businesses time and money, clearly demonstrate how LBRO’s role in guiding businesses through the maze of local regulations is critical to a successful economic future.”

As well as progressing these initiatives in 2009/10, LBRO has recently published best practice examples of how local authorities can match national and local priorities, issued a report on shared services and released news on how the Consumer White paper may allow LBRO to help councils acquire new powers for consumer redress. LBRO is also urging others to adopt the best practice undertaken by local authorities and police forces in small cities and towns across the UK to reduce the underage sales of alcohol.

Notes to editors

The principles of Better Regulation are:
-Accountable
-Targeted
-Proportionate
-Consistent
-Transparent

The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) helps local authorities improve their environmental health, trading standards, fire safety and licensing services – reducing burdens on businesses that comply with the law while targeting those who flout it. It was incorporated as a government-owned limited company in May 2007. Following the commencement of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 on 1 October 2008, it now operates as an executive non-departmental public body, accountable to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills through the Better Regulation Executive. LBRO is governed by an independent Board, has a staff of around 25 and is based in central Birmingham. Our remit covers the whole of the UK and we liaise closely with the devolved administrations to ensure our work in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is appropriate. For further information please visit www.lbro.org.uk

LBRO/29/2009

Contacts:

Local Better Regulation Office
nds.lbro@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Jo Barker.
Phone: 0121 226 4019
Jo.barker@lbro.org.uk